Nissan Leaf Owners Manual | 2025
9.5.1.2. Shifting
After starting the EV system, fully depress the brake pedal and push the shift button to the R (Reverse), N (Neutral) or D (Drive) position.
After operating the shift button, make sure that the shift position is switched to the intended one.
The vehicle automatically applies the P (Park) position when the power switch is in the OFF position.
When the READY to drive indicator light does not illuminate, the shift position cannot be changed to the D (Drive) or R (Reverse) position even if the power switch is placed in the ON position.
If the following conditions have been met, the shift position may be changed to the P (Park) position automatically.
When the driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
When the driver’s door is opened.
If you use an implantable cardiac pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or other medical devices, keep the implanted body parts away from the shift button. The strong magnet in shift button may affect the operation of medical devices.
Keep magnetic cards or things with magnetic force away from the shift button. It may cause malfunction and lead to an accident.
On a hilly road, do not allow the vehicle to roll backwards while in the D (Drive) position, or allow the vehicle to roll forward while in the R (Reverse) position. This may cause an accident.
Do not operate the shift button while the accelerator pedal is depressed. This may cause a sudden start which could result in an accident.
The following operations are not allowed because excessive force would be applied to the traction motor and this may result in damage to the vehicle:
Selecting the R (Reverse) position when driving forward
Selecting the D (Drive) position when reversing
If these operations are attempted, a chime sounds and the vehicle shifts to the N (Neutral) position.
P (Park) position
Use this position when the vehicle is parked or when placing the vehicle in the READY to drive position. Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped. The brake pedal must be depressed to change the shift position from the N (Neutral) position or any drive position to the P (Park) position. Apply the parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake first, then select the P (Park) position.
Use this position only when the vehicle is completely stopped.
While the vehicle is stationary, if the shift position is placed in any position other than the P (Park) position when the power switch is set to OFF, it will automatically switch to the P (Park) position.
When the P (Park) position button is pushed while driving, the operation is cancelled. (A buzzer sounds and the shift position before being operated is maintained.)
R (Reverse)
Use this position to reverse. Always be sure the vehicle is completely stopped before selecting the R (Reverse) position. The brake pedal must be depressed to change the shift position from the P (Park) position, the N (Neutral) position or any drive position to the R (Reverse) position.
If the vehicle is shifted to the R (Reverse) position while the vehicle is moving forward, the chime will sound and the vehicle will switch into the N (Neutral) position.
N (Neutral)
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The vehicle can be placed in READY to drive position in this position.
Do not shift to the N (Neutral) position while driving. The regenerative brake system does not operate in the N (Neutral) position. However, the vehicle brakes will still stop the vehicle.
D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
If the vehicle is placed in the D (Drive) position while the vehicle is reversing, the chime will sound and the vehicle will switch into the N (Neutral) position.